The Future Belongs to Students in High GearSM

"Even if your kids are just entering high school, Students in High Gear is a great read for both students and parents to start thinking about the future and how choices today can lay the foundation for success in the future."

"Amy Howell and Anne Deeter Gallaher are authors of the book, “The Future Belongs to Students in High Gear.” With 21 million students in college in the US, they believe students should be networking from day one in college."

Are You in High Gear?

Are you one of the 21 million U.S. students enrolled in postsecondary institutions? We need you in high gear!

You form the foundation of the knowledge economy. Your choices, ambitions, and opportunities will determine career success and life purpose. In this small window of discovery, business owners Amy and Anne define the path to high gear and weave powerful insights from every stakeholder: students, professors, deans, University presidents, parents, and employers.

Whether you’re a senior in high school considering the value of a college investment, a recent graduate navigating the interview process, or a professor wanting to imbue high gear employable skills, Students in High Gear is fuel for success.

Change Your Stars

If a college education is the great equalizer—and we feel that it is—then the 21 million U.S. higher education student population is a group we need to encourage and engage in high gear opportunities to grow and create jobs. Economically active and in high gear are where “changing your stars” takes place.

Meet Amy and Anne

Sometimes in life you’re lucky enough to meet a kindred spirit who shares an enthusiasm, passion, and power of positivity that is contagious. We joke about our North-South connection, but our serendipitous meeting on Twitter in 2009 has led to many in-real-life meetups, keynotes, and even projects together. It has changed our businesses and has been a catalyst for high gear ideas.

Anne Deeter Gallaher (@AnneDGallaher)

CEO of Deeter Gallaher Group LLCHarrisburg, PA | Nashville, TN

Passionate about entrepreneurship and high gear work environments, Anne was recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business. Never leaving home without her pearls or iPhone, she brings Powerful language. Smart marketing.℠ to every client relationship.

Celebrating 15 years of business ownership, she believes her biggest high gear achievement is watching her three sons graduate from college and set their own courses for success.

Amy D. Howell (@HowellMarketing)

CEO of Howell Marketing Strategies Memphis, TN

From Texas to Alabama to Tennessee, this southern girl is most comfortable in cowboy boots and jeans. Amy now runs her business from her office in the historic South Main Arts District of Downtown Memphis.

When she’s not in the office, she is either working remotely from her car, her home, or somewhere on the Tennessee River. As long as she has her iPhone, she’s only a tweet away.

“This practical guide for our young people is a call to arms for big ideas, passionate workers, and an energized economy. And it demonstrates the unbridled capabilities of collaboration between students, colleges, and the business community. High gear awaits!”

– Amy & Anne

Look for Students in High Gear in the News as Amy and Anne take their guide for students and aspiring game changers to the streets!

November 18

Global Entrepreneurship Week at Penn State University, University Park, PA -- Anne will keynote the Women’s Entrepreneurship Luncheon and share insights from Students in High Gear with “Connecting the Dots to High Gear Success.” Sponsored by PSECU.

May 19

Anne Deeter Gallaher was featured on FOX 43 WPMT on May 19 with morning news anchor Melanie Orlins to talk about tips on helping graduates become more employable. “Hard skills get you the interview, your soft skills seal the deal,” says Gallaher. Listen for more game-changing insights for students who are transitioning into college and from college to career.

May 19

It’s graduation time and Amy D. Howell has practical insights to share with today’s 21 million college students: “It’s not a matter of making good grades. It’s a matter of looking at things from an employer’s standpoint,” says Amy to Memphis Daily News reporter Don Wade.

Too often we found a chasm—a disconnect if you will—and as hirers and mothers of five students and graduates, we began to research the transition from college to career. What is high gear for today’s students? What’s the difference between curriculum and careers? What type of digital tattoo are you leaving? What do the University presidents have to say about high gear students?

And understanding student debt and its long-term consequences to you and our economy. Students in High Gear is the response to our research and we feel it will be a powerful resource for high school students, college students, and recent graduates.